Carbene-pyridine chelating 2Fe2S hydrogenase model complexes as highly active catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of protons from weak acid (HOAc)

Two asymmetrically disubstituted diiron complexes (micro-pdt)[Fe(CO)(3)][Fe(CO)(eta(2)-L)] (L = 1-methyl-3-(2-pyridyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (NHC(MePy)), 2; 1,3-bis(2-picolyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (NHC(diPic)), 4) and a mono-substituted diiron complex (mu-pdt)[Fe(CO)(3)][Fe(CO)(2)(NHC(diPic))] (3) were prepared as biomimetic models of the Fe-only hydrogenase active site. X-Ray studies show that the NHC(MePy) and NHC(diPic) ligands in 2 and 4 each coordinate to the single iron atom as NHC-Py chelating ligands in two basal positions and the NHC(diPic) ligand of complex 3 lies in an apical position as a monodentate ligand. The large ranges of the highest and the lowest nu(CO) frequencies of 2 and 4 reflect that the relatively uneven electron density on the two iron atoms of the 2Fe2S model complexes 2 and 4 is as that observed for mono-substituted diiron complexes of good donor ligands. The cyclic voltammograms and the electrochemical proton reduction by 2 and 3 were studied in the presence of HOAc to evaluate the effect of asymmetrical substitution of strong donor ligands on the redox properties of the iron atoms and on the electrocatalytic activity for proton reduction.     

Selenium-bridged diiron hexacarbonyl complexes as biomimetic models for the active site of Fe-Fe hydrogenases

Three N-substituted selenium-bridged diiron complexes [{(mu-SeCH2)2NC6H4R}Fe2(CO)6] (R = 4-NO2, 7; R = H, 8; R = 4-CH3, 9) were firstly prepared as biomimetic models for the Fe-Fe hydrogenases active site. Models could be generated by the convergent reaction of [(mu-HSe)2Fe2(CO)6] (6) with N,N-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4-nitroaniline (1), N,N-bis(hydroxymethyl)aniline (2), and N,N-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4-methylaniline (3) in 46-52% yields. All the new complexes were characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR and HRMS spectra and their molecular structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The redox properties of and their dithiolate analogues [{(mu-SCH2)2NC6H4R}Fe2(CO)6] (R = 4-NO2, 7s; R = H, 8s; R = 4-CH3, 9s ) were evaluated by cyclic voltammograms. The electrochemical proton reduction by and were investigated in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid (HOTs) to evaluate the influence of changing the coordinating S atoms of the bridging ligands to Se atoms on the electrocatalytic activity for proton reduction.     

Using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a scaffold to construct mimicking systems of [FeFe]‐hydrogenase: preparation,characterization of PEI‐based materials,and their catalysis on proton reduction

Ten branched polymeric materials (PEI‐P‐Fe₂s) derived from polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized with [Fe₂(CO)₅]‐units to mimic [FeFe]‐hydrogenase were prepared. Before the functionalization, PEI was first premodified using diphenylphosphinamine (NPPh₂) group. In the premodification, three approaches were employed: (i) using PEI with an average molecular weight of 1800 and 600, respectively; (ii) grafting NPPh₂ group by either direct reaction of chlorodiphenylphosphine with PEI or Br(CH₂)₁₁OPPh₂; and (iii) further premodification with BrCH₂COOH after immobilization of the NPPh₂ group. Reaction of the premodified PEI with diiron hexacarbonyl complexes, [Fe₂(μ‐S)₂(CO)₆] (1), or [Fe₂(μ‐S₂C₂H₄)(CO)₆] (3) produced 10 functionalized materials, PEI‐P‐Fe₂s. These materials were characterized using a variety of spectroscopic techniques, FTIR, NMR, TGA, and cyclic voltammetry. Spectral comparison with two control complexes, [Fe₂(μ‐S)₂(CO)₅PPh₃] (2) and [Fe₂(μ‐S₂C₂H₄)(CO)₅PPh₃] (4), suggested that the immobilized diiron units of PEI‐P‐Fe₂s were dominantly pentacarbonyl analogous to complexes 2 and 4, although tetracarbonyl units may also exist because the amine groups of PEI could also be involved in substituting CO, as was the NPPh₂ group. The catalysis of these materials on proton reduction was examined in 0.1 mol l^?1 [NBut₄]BF₄/DMF containing acetic acid by using cyclic voltammetry. Our results indicated that both the presence of carboxylic acid and dangling the diiron units at the end of a long aliphatic chain improved catalytic efficiency by one‐fold. The improvement was attributed to the increase in flexibility of the catalytic center and enhancement of proton transfer during the catalysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Protonation, electrochemical properties and molecular structures of halogen-functionalized diiron azadithiolate complexes related to the active site of iron-only hydrogenases

Diiron complexes [{(micro-SCH2)2NCH2C6H4X}{Fe(CO)2L}2] (L = CO, X = 2-Br, 1; 2-F, 2; 3-Br, 3; L = PMe(3), X = 2-Br, 4) were prepared as biomimetic models of the iron-only hydrogenase active site. The N-protonated species [(NH)]+ClO(4)(-), [(NH)](+)ClO(4)(-) and the micro-hydride diiron complex [4(FeHFe)]+PF(6)(-) were obtained in the presence of proton acids and well characterized. The protonation process of 4 was studied by in-situ IR and NMR spectroscopy, which suggests the formation of the diprotonated species [4(NH)(FeHFe)](2+) in the presence of an excess of proton acid. The molecular structures of 1, [(NH)]+ClO(4)(-), 4 and [4(FeHFe)]+PF(6)(-) were determined by X-ray crystallography. The single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that an intramolecular H...Br contact (2.82 A) in the crystalline state of [1(NH)]+ClO(4)(-). In the presence of 1-6 equiv of the stronger acid HOTf, complex 1 is readily protonated on the bridged-N atom and can electrochemically catalyze the proton reduction at a relatively mild potential (ca.-1.0 V). Complex 4 is also electrocatalytic active at -1.4 V in the presence of HOTf with formation of the micro-hydride diiron species.     

Diiron dithiolate complexes containing intra-ligand NH ... S hydrogen bonds: [FeFe] hydrogenase active site models for the electrochemical proton reduction of HOAc with low overpotential

Four diiron dithiolate complexes containing ortho-acylamino-functionalized arenethiolato ligands, [(micro-S-2-RCONHC6H4)2Fe2(CO)6] (R = CH3, 1; CF3, 2; C6H5, 3; 4-FC6H4, 4), were synthesized and well characterized as biomimetic models of the Fe-Fe hydrogenase active site. The molecular structures of and 4 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The intra-ligand NHS hydrogen bonds were studied by the X-ray analysis and by the (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The contribution of the NHS hydrogen bonds to the reduction potentials of complexes was investigated by electrochemistry. The first reduction potentials of complexes exhibit large positive shifts, that is, 220-320 mV in comparison to that of the analogous complex [(micro-SPh)2Fe2(CO)6] and 370-470 mV to that of [(micro-pdt)2Fe2(CO)6] (pdt = propane-1,3-dithiolato). Complex is capable of electrocatalysing proton reduction of acetic acid at relatively low overpotential (ca. 0.2 V) in acetonitrile.     

Mixed Valence (μ-Phenoxido) FeIIFeIII and FeIIIFeIV Compounds: Electron and Proton Transfers

Mixed-valence non-heme diiron centers are present at the active sites of a few enzymes and confer them interesting reactivities with the two ions acting in concert. Related (μ-phenoxido)diiron complexes have been developed as enzyme mimics. They exhibit very rich spectroscopic properties enabling independent monitoring of each individual ion, which proved useful for mechanistic studies of catalytic hydrolysis and oxidation reactions. In our studies of such complexes, we observed that these compounds give rise to a wide variety of electron transfers (intervalence charge transfer), proton transfers (tautomerism), coupled electron and proton transfers (H^. abstraction and PCET). In this minireview, we present and analyze the main results illustrating the latter aspects.     

Intermolecular electron transfer from photogenerated Ru(bpy)3+ to [2Fe2S] model complexes of the iron-only hydrogenase active site

Visible light-driven intermolecular electron transfer was observed from a reduced species Ru(bpy)3+, photogenerated via a reductive quenching of the ruthenium photosensitizer by a diethyldithiocarbamate anion, to bioinspired [2Fe2S] model complexes of the iron-only hydrogenase active site. The results indicate that Ru(bpy)32+ can act as a photoactive functional model of the [4Fe4S] cluster, playing the role of an electron-transfer relay. The photogenerated FeIFe0 species, which is proposed to be a crucial intermediate for proton reduction catalyzed electrochemically by the [2Fe2S] complexes, gives promise in the light-driven dihydrogen evolution using diiron complexes as surrogates of noble platinum catalysts.     

Synthesis and characterisation of main-chain hydrogen-bonded supramolecular liquid crystalline complexes formed by azo-containing compounds

A series of azopyridine-containing hydrogen bonding acceptors (4a-c) with flexible spacers of oligo(methylene) were synthesised. Hydrogen-bonded polymeric complexes 4/5 and trimeric complexes 4/6₂ , where 5 and 6 are aromatic dicarboxylic acids and monocarboxylic acids, respectively, were prepared and their liquid crystallinity was examined using differential scanning calorimetry and polarising optical microscopy. The study showed that most of the complexes displayed reversible thermotropic nematic phase. The isotropic to nematic phase transition temperatures of polymeric complexes 4/5 and trimeric complexes 4/6₂ in general decreased with the increase in length of spacers and terminal groups in the corresponding proton acceptors 4 and the proton donors 5 and 6, respectively. Hydrogen bonding interactions in complexes 4/5 and 4/6₂ were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.     

Structural and spectroscopic studies of valence-delocalized diiron(II,III) complexes dupported by carboxylate-only bridging ligands

The synthesis, molecular structures, and spectroscopic properties of a series of valence-delocalized diiron(II,III) complexes are described. One-electron oxidation of diiron(II) tetracarboxylate complexes afforded the compounds [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(4)L(2)]X, where L = 4-(t)BuC(5)H(4)N (1b), C(5)H(5)N (2b), and THF (3b); X = PF(6)(-) (1b and 3b) and OTf(-) (2b). In 1b-3b, four mu-1,3 carboxylate ligands span relatively short Fe...Fe distances of 2.6633(11)-2.713(3) A. Intense (epsilon = 2700-3200 M(-1) cm(-1)) intervalence charge transfer bands were observed at 620-670 nm. EPR spectroscopy confirmed the S = (9)/(2) ground spin state of 1b-3b, the valence-delocalized nature of which was probed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The electron delocalization between paramagnetic metal centers is described by double exchange, which, for the first time, is observed in diiron clusters having no single-atom bridging ligand(s).     

Metal core bonding motifs of monodisperse icosahedral Au13 and larger Au monolayer-protected clusters as revealed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy

The atomic metal core structures of the subnanometer clusters Au13[PPh3]4[S(CH2)11CH3]2Cl2 (1) and Au13[PPh3]4[S(CH2)11CH3]4 (2) were characterized using advanced methods of electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The number of gold atoms in the cores of these two clusters was determined quantitatively using high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Multiple-scattering-path analyses of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra suggest that the Au metal cores of each of these complexes adopt an icosahedral structure with a relaxation of the icosahedral strain. Data from microscopy and spectroscopy studies extended to larger thiolate-protected gold clusters showing a broader distribution in nanoparticle core sizes (183 +/- 116 Au atoms) reveal a bulklike fcc structure. These results further support a model for the monolayer-protected clusters (MPCs) in which the thiolate ligands bond preferentially at 3-fold atomic sites on the nanoparticle surface, establishing an average composition for the MPC of Au180[S(CH2)11CH3]40. Results from EXAFS measurements of a gold(I) dodecanethiolate polymer are presented that offer an alternative explanation for observations in previous reports that were interpreted as indicating Au MPC structures consisting of a Au core, Au2S shell, and thiolate monolayer.     

Structure formation in metal complex/polymer hybrid nanomaterials prepared by miniemulsion

Polymer/complex hybrid nanostructures were prepared using a variety of hydrophobic metal β-diketonato complexes. The mechanism of structure formation was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in the liquid phase. Structure formation is attributed to an interaction between free coordination sites of metal β-diketonato complexes and coordinating anionic surfactants. Lamellar structures are already present in the miniemulsion. By subsequent polymerization the lamellae can be embedded in a great variety of different polymeric matrices. The morphology of the lamellar structures, as elucidated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), can be controlled by the choice of anionic surfactant. Using sodium alkylsulfates and sodium dodecylphosphate, "nano-onions" are formed, while sodium carboxylates lead to "kebab-like" structures. The composition of the hybrid nanostructures can be described as bilayer lamellae, embedded in a polymeric matrix. The metal complexes are separated by surfactant molecules which are arranged tail-to-tail; by increasing the carbon chain length of the surfactant the layer distance of the structured nanomaterial can be adjusted between 2 and 5 nm.     

Effect of electron donor-acceptor interaction on the thermal stability of supramolecular side chain liquid crystalline polymers based on poly(3-carboxypropylmethylsiloxane)

Supramolecular side chain liquid crystalline polymers were prepared from poly(3-carboxypropylmethylsiloxane) (PSI100) and azobenzene-based derivatives through intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic acid groups of PSI100 and the imidazole rings in the azobenzene-based derivatives. The presence of H-bonding was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. The polymeric complexes behave as liquid crystalline polymers and exhibit nematic mesophases identified on the basis of the observation of Schlieren textures. The mesogenic behaviour of these complexes was studied by polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The thermal behaviour of the complexes was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. On increasing the spacer length, the transition temperatures initially increase. A further increase in spacer length, however, leads to a decrease in the transition temperatures. The electron donor-acceptor interaction between unlike mesogenic units in supramolecular copolymeric complexes helps to stabilize the mesophase.     

Tetranuclear iron(III) complexes of an octadentate pyridine-carboxylate ligand and their catalytic activity in alkane oxidation by hydrogen peroxide

Reaction of the octadentate ligand 2,6-bis{3-[N,N-di(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]propoxy}benzoic acid (LH) with Fe(ClO4)3 leads to the formation of the tetranuclear complexes [Fe4(mu-O)2(LH)2(ClCH2-CO2)4](ClO4)4 (1), [{Fe2(mu-O)L(R-CO2)}2](ClO4)4 (2 R = C6H5-, 3 R = CH3-, 4, R = ClCH2-). The crystal structures of complexes 1 and 2 reveal that they consist of two Fe(III)2(mu-O)(mu-RCO2)2 cores that are linked via the two LH/L ligands to give a "dimer of dimers" structure. Complex assumes a helical shape, with protonated carboxylic acid moieties of the two ligands forming a hydrogen-bonded pair at the center of the cation. In complexes 2, 3 and 4, central carboxylates of the two ligands bridge the iron ions in each of the two Fe2O units, with an interdimer iron-iron separation of approximately 10 A and an intradimer separation of approximately 3.1 A. The second carboxylate bridge within the Fe2O units is defined by exogenous benzoate (2), acetate (3) or chloroacetate (4) ligands. The aqua complex [{Fe2(mu-O)L(H2O)2}2](ClO4)6 (5) is proposed to have a similar structure, but with the exogenous bridging carboxylates replaced by two terminal water ligands. These complexes exhibit electronic and M?ssbauer spectral features that are similar to those of (mu-oxo)diiron(III) proteins as well as other related (mu-oxo)bis(mu-carboxylato)diiron(III) complexes. This similarity shows that these properties are not significantly affected by the nature of the bridging exogenous carboxylate, and that the octadentate framework ligand is essential in stabilizing the "dimer of dimers" structure. This structural feature remains in highly diluted solution (10(-5) M) as evidenced by electrospray ionization mass-spectroscopy (ES MS). Cyclic voltammetric studies of complexes 2 and 5 showed two irreversible two-electron reductions, indicating that the two Fe2O units of the tetranuclear complexes behave as distinct redox entities. Complexes 2, 3 and, especially, the aqua complex 5 are active alkane oxidation catalysts. Catalytic reactions carried out with alkane substrate molecules and hydrogen peroxide predominantly gave alcohols. High stereospecificity in the oxidation of cis-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane supports the metal-based molecular mechanism of O-insertion into C-H bonds postulated for non-heme iron enzymes such as methane monooxygenase.     

CO-migration in the ligand substitution process of the chelating diphosphite diiron complex (mu-pdt)[Fe(CO)3][Fe(CO){(EtO)2PN(Me)P(OEt)2}

Selective synthetic routes to isomeric diiron dithiolate complexes containing the (EtO) 2PN(Me)P(OEt) 2 (PNP) ligand in an unsymmetrical chelating role, for example, (mu-pdt)[Fe(CO) 3][Fe(CO)(kappa (2)-PNP)] ( 3) and as a symmetrically bridging ligand in (mu-pdt)(mu-PNP)[Fe(CO) 2] 2 ( 4), have been developed. 3 was converted to 4 in 75% yield after extensive reflux in toluene. The reactions of 3 with PMe 3 and P(OEt) 3 afforded bis-monodentate P-donor complexes (mu-pdt)[Fe(CO) 2PR 3][Fe(CO) 2(PNP)] (PR 3 = PMe 3, 5; P(OEt) 3, 7), respectively, which are formed via an associative PMe 3 coordination reaction followed by an intramolecular CO-migration process from the Fe(CO) 3 to the Fe(CO)(PNP) unit with concomitant opening of the Fe-PNP chelate ring. The PNP-monodentate complexes 5 and 7 were converted to a trisubstituted diiron complex (mu-pdt)(mu-PNP)[Fe(CO)PR 3][Fe(CO) 2] (PR 3 = PMe 3, 6; P(OEt) 3, 8) on release of 1 equiv CO when refluxing in toluene. Variable-temperature (31)P NMR spectra show that trisubstituted diiron complexes each exist as two configuration isomers in solution. All diiron dithiolate complexes obtained were characterized by MS, IR, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction studies.     

Supramolecular side chain liquid crystalline polymers assembled via hydrogen bonding between carboxylic acid-containing polysiloxane and azobenzene derivatives

Supramolecular side chain liquid crystalline polymers were prepared from poly(3-carboxypropylmethylsiloxane) (PSI100) and azobenzene derivatives through intermolecular hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) between the carboxylic acid groups in the PSI100 and the imidazole rings in the azobenzene derivatives. The existence of H-bonding has been confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. The polymeric complexes behave as liquid crystalline (LC) polymers and exhibit stable mesophases. The LC behaviour of these H-bonded polymeric complexes was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The complexes exhibit nematic LC phases identified on the basis of Schlieren optical textures. On increasing spacer length or the concentration of the H-bonded mesogenic unit in the complex, the clearing temperature and the temperature range of the LC phase of the polymeric complex increase. The terminal group plays a critical role in determining the LC properties of the polymeric complexes. A terminal methoxy group is more efficient than a nitro group in increasing the clearing temperature. The electron donor-acceptor interactions between the H-bonded mesogenic units containing methoxy and nitro terminal groups in supramolecular 'copolymeric' complexes lead to an increase in the clearing temperature and a wider temperature range for the LC phase.     

Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol by means of nanostructured polymeric Schiff base complexes

Polymeric Schiff base ligands were synthesized using 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (L²), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (L⁴), and 5-aminoisophthalic acid. The nanostructured complexes were then synthesized using Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Mn³⁺. The ligands and complexes thus synthesized were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The thermal stability of the complexes was confirmed using TGA. The synthesized complexes were used as catalysts in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol in an aqueous phase in the presence of sodium borohydride. In this work, the catalytic reactivity of nanostructured complexes was compared using the rate constant (k) of the reaction. The reaction time for the reduction of 4-NP was 5–14 min for different complexes. The catalytic system based on Ni²⁺/2-hydroxybenzaldehyde was the most active and displayed reusability in the reduction of 4-NP.     

Bis(p‐nitrobenzoxasulfamato) Complexes of Cadmium(II) and Mercury(II) ‐ Synthesis,Spectra, and X‐Ray Crystal Structures

The reaction of sodium benzoxasulfamate (nbs) with cadmium(II) and mercury(II) sulfate in aqueous solution yield the novel complexes [Cd(nbs)₂(H₂O)₄] (1) and [Hg(nbs)₂(H₂O)₃] ( 2 ), respectively. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Complex 1 is monomeric and has an octahedral arrangement in which the N‐donor nbs ligands occupy the axial positions, while the water oxygen atoms form the equatorial plane. Complex 2 is polymeric and shows a pentagonal bipyramidal arrangement achieved by the bridging of the HgN₂O₃ units through the weak interaction of the O atoms of the nitro group. The nbs ligands also occupy the axial positions of the pentagonal bipyramid, whereas three water and two nitro oxygen atoms constitute the pentagonal plane. The crystal structure packing in both crystals is achieved by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving water hydrogen atoms, nitro and sulfonyl oxygen atoms.     

咪唑修饰的卟啉及其锌、铜配合物的合成和非线性光学性质

合成了一种新型咪唑修饰的卟啉(1)及其锌、铜配合物(2、3). 通过核磁共振氢谱(1H NMR)、紫外-可见(UV-Vis)光谱、傅里叶变换红外(FT-IR)光谱、电喷雾质谱(ESI-MS)及元素分析等多种谱学方法对其结构进行表征. 卟啉环流效应对侧链咪唑芳环的影响导致咪唑环上三个氢原子的化学位移向高场移动, 且卟啉的紫外-可见光谱的Soret带发生裂分. 采用分子模拟方法得到的自由卟啉最低能量构象与光谱分析结果一致, 即侧链咪唑环位于卟啉环上方. 同时, 利用Z-扫描技术对卟啉及其锌、铜配合物的三阶非线性光学性质进行了研究, 结果表明: 卟啉及其锌、铜配合物均具有很强的反饱和吸收性质, 且铜卟啉的非线性光学性质强于锌卟啉的.     

两种形貌GdPO_4纳米粒子的制备和光学性质研究

以Gd2O3、H3PO4为原料,聚乙二醇(PEG)为结构导向剂,通过改变沉淀剂NaOH的用量,制备了棒状、丝状的GdPO4纳米粒子,用X射线衍射仪(XRD)、X射线能量扩散光谱仪(EDS)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、X射线光电子能谱仪(XPS)、富里叶变换红外光谱仪(FT-IR)对样品进行表征,研究了样品的激光拉曼散射光谱(Raman)、光致发光(PL)性质。结果表明,两种不同形貌的GdPO4纳米粒子具有不同的光学活性,PEG的浓度以及它和Gd3+、H+的配位作用对棒状GdPO4纳米粒子的形成有重要的影响。     

Quinobis(imidazolylidene): Synthesis and Study of an Electron‐Configurable Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) and Its Bimetallic Complexes

Reaction of bromanil with N,N′‐dimesitylformamidine followed by deprotonation with NaN(SiMe₃)₂ afforded 1,1′,3,3′‐tetramesitylquinobis(imidazolylidene) ( 1 ), a bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) (NHC) with two NHC moieties connected by a redox active p‐quinone residue, in 72 % yield of isolated compound. Bimetallic complexes of 1 were prepared by coupling to FcN₃ ( 2 ) or FcNCS ( 3 ; Fc=ferrocenyl) or coordination to [M(cod)Cl] ( 4 a or 4 b , where M=Rh or Ir, respectively; cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene). Treatment of 4 a and 4 b with excess CO(g) afforded the corresponding [M(CO)₂Cl] complexes 5 a and 5 b , respectively. Analysis of 2 – 5 by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction indicated that the electron‐deficient quinone did not significantly affect the inherent spectral properties or coordination chemistry of the flanking imidazolylidene units, as compared to analogous NHCs. Infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry revealed that decreasing the electron density at ML_n afforded an increase in the stretching energy and a decrease in the reduction potential of the quinone, indicative of metal–quinone electronic interaction. Differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry of the metal‐centered oxidations in 2 – 4 revealed two single, one‐electron peaks. Thus, the metal atoms bound to 1 are oxidized at indistinguishable potentials and do not appear electronically coupled. However, the metal–quinone interaction was used to increase the electron density at coordinated metal atoms. Infrared spectroelectrochemistry revealed that the average ν_CO values for 5 a and 5 b decreased by 14 and 15 cm^?1, respectively, upon reduction of the quinone embedded within 1 . These shifts correspond to 10 and 12 cm^?1 decreases in the Tolman electronic parameter of this ditopic ligand.